Best Places to Kayak Near Van, WV

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Van, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby22 Rivers6 Lakes2 Creeks
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Van

Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk1

Ridenoor Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner32 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Plum Orchard Lake

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner26 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Lake Stephen (Winter)

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

LakeBeginner25 mi away
a river running through a lush green forest

Rockhouse Lake

West Virginia · 7.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Madison State Route 17 Bridge

West Virginia · 9.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

John Slack Park

West Virginia · 11.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Logan County Airport Pond

West Virginia · 13.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Peach Creek

West Virginia · 16.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Guyandotte River

West Virginia · 17.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Earling

West Virginia · 18.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Chesapeake

West Virginia · 19.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Glasgow

West Virginia · 22.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

Upper Mud River Lake

West Virginia · 22.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Hansford

West Virginia · 23.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Upper Mud River Lake

West Virginia · 23.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Guyandotte River

West Virginia · 24.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Lake Stephen Marina

West Virginia · 25.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Stephen (Winter)

West Virginia · 25.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Kanawha River

West Virginia · 25.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Daniel Boone Park

West Virginia · 25.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

C&P Telephone

West Virginia · 25.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia · 26.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Dunbar

West Virginia · 26.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

South Charleston

West Virginia · 27.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

Shawnee State Park

West Virginia · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Kanawha Falls

West Virginia · 29.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Laurel Lake Water Management Area

West Virginia · 29.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

St. Albans Roadside Park

West Virginia · 29.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Nitro

West Virginia · 31.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ridenoor Lake

West Virginia · 31.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

East Fork Campground Area 5

West Virginia · 33.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Hawks Nest State Park

West Virginia · 33.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Van.

Bob White, WV1 miGordon, WV2 miTwilight, WV5 miBim, WV5 miJeffrey, WV5 miWharton, WV6 miUneeda, WV6 miOttawa, WV6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Van, WV?

Top picks near Van include Ridenoor Lake, Plum Orchard Lake, Lake Stephen (Winter). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Van?

Near Van you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Van?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Van are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.